Meet Najam us Saqib, an inspiring alumnus of USPCAS-W, whose journey from a small town in South Punjab to academic success exemplifies the transformative impact of education. Najam's story is a testament to the pivotal role that USPCAS-W played in shaping his trajectory and realizing his aspirations.
After completing his bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Najam sought to further his education and career prospects with a master's degree. Despite facing challenges in choosing the right institute, he boldly decided to join USPCAS-W's HID program, defying stereotypes and embracing the opportunity for academic excellence. His journey began with uncertainty but was marked by resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of his peers and mentors.
Najam's experience at USPCAS-W was transformative, characterized by state-of-the-art infrastructure, top-notch faculty, and a vibrant learning environment. Despite initial cultural adjustments, he thrived academically and personally, immersing himself in coursework, research, and extracurricular activities. He thoroughly enjoyed the learning process and challenges. The friendly faculty, staff, and top-notch facilities, including smart classrooms and up-to-date equipment, left a lasting impression. Studying at USPCAS-W was a roller coaster ride; the unwavering support and guidance from the professors made it much easier to grasp knowledge and expertise. With their wealth of knowledge and experience, the professors acted as mentors and transformed his struggle into a more manageable and comprehensible educational experience. Engaging in some of the best courses designed by USPCAS-W and seminars on pressing topics like climate change, food security, water pollution, and so on enhanced knowledge beyond the university setting.
In the fall of 2019, Najam was selected for the US research exchange program at Colorado State University, USA, which opened new horizons, allowing him to broaden his academic and cultural perspectives while significantly contributing to his field. This opportunity marked a turning point, as this was the first time anyone from his family pursued higher education in the USA. His research focused on spillways of dams, involving the simulation of spillways using the latest software package, FLOW 3D, resulting in the publication of two papers in impact factor international journals.
With newfound knowledge and skills, Najam embarked on a career in academia at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Sciences and Technology, one of the top schools in Pakistan, driven by a passion for teaching and research. His experiences at USPCAS-W laid the foundation for his success, empowering him to excel as a lecturer and pursue further academic endeavours. He intended to pursue PhD studies, having applied for several scholarships and was nominated as the principal candidate for Fulbright 2024. Today, Najam's journey inspires aspiring students, demonstrating the transformative power of education and the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.
As Najam reflects on his journey, he credits USPCAS-W for providing him with the tools, opportunities, and support needed to realize his dreams. From a modest background to securing a position at a prestigious institution and being nominated for prestigious scholarships, Najam's story is a testament to the transformative impact of education and its endless possibilities.